Only last week, sister Liz, 18, scored A grades in her three A-levels.

And the eldest, Richard, 22, is embarking on a teaching career after being awarded a first class degree at Oxford University.

Joseph's top grade GCSEs meant none of the talented trio has dropped below grade A in either GCSEs or A-levels.

The trio, from Timperley, have been educated at St Bede's College, Hulme, where proud mum Rosamund is deputy head.

She says their success is down to concentrating in the classroom and she added today: "I think all three have been blessed with a good memory and their ability seems to be natural.

"I am delighted for Joseph and we are very pleased for them all."

Joseph is to continue at independent St Bede's, hoping for a perfect record at A-level.

"My brother and my sister both did really well and that did pile on the pressure," said Joseph, who has combined his studies with a love of cricket, football, rugby and music. "I'm delighted with my results. I didn't expect to do so well and mum always wanted me to work harder than I actually did."

Joseph's top grades are in French, Greek, Latin, history, English Language, English Literature, maths, physics and religion.

Nationally, the proportion of young people notching up five or more A*- to C grade GCSEs has risen to a record high of 57.9 per cent - but there is national concern at the widening gap in performance between boys and girls.